ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
President's Secretariat
IAS Officers of 2016 batch call on the President
A group of 176 IAS officers of the 2016 batch, currently posted in different Ministries and Departments of the Government of India at the rank of Assistant Secretary, called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, today  at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Addressing the officers, the President said that the IAS is our premier all-India service. It is one of those institutions that knit together our country with a common governance framework, a shared administrative ethos and by promoting a uniform culture and value system in public service. As IAS officers in the districts and state capitals, the officers will be responsible for implementation of national and Union government programmes. These may sometimes be tailored or adapted for local conditions. This makes the officers an important link between the government of India and the state government. It is incumbent upon them to bring the learning, expertise, experience and standards of integrity of an elite all-India service to every rung of government in our very diverse country.
The President pointed out that many of the officers will end their careers as Secretaries in the 2040s – perhaps at about the time India celebrates the 100th anniversary of Independence. Today we are a US $ 2.5 trillion economy. By the 2040s, our GDP will be six or seven times as large.
The President said that as IAS officers, it will be their mandate to equip our people, equip our government and equip our country to deal with the challenges and opportunities of an economy of that size. This will call for enhancing use of technology in the way they work and function. It will call for breaking out of silos and seeing government as a seamless service provider – not as a series of closed compartments. Above all, it will call for a radical overhaul of the nature of administration – and of the interface between citizen and government.
Click here to see the IAS Speech
Ministry of Coal
Allocation Order Issued for 49 Coal Mines Under Commercial Auction
Since the launch of commercial coal mines’ auction in June’2020, Vesting/Allocation Orders have been issued for 49 coal mines. The state-wise details is as provided below:
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S. No.
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State
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Number of Vesting/ Allocation Orders Issued
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1
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Assam
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2
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2
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Chhattisgarh
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7
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3
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Jharkhand
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12
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4
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Madhya Pradesh
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13
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5
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Maharashtra
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5
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6
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Odisha
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9
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7
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West Bengal
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1
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||
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TOTAL
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49
Details of Peak Rated Capacity, State-wise, from 49 coal blocks allocated under Commercial mining scheme since launch is as below:
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State wise PRC of 49 coal blocks allocated in last 5 years
under commercial mining
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S.No.
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State
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PRC in MTPA
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1
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Assam
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0.024
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2
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Chhattisgarh
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12.2
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3
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Jharkhand
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24.88
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4
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Madhya Pradesh
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11.85
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5
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Maharashtra
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3.72
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6
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Odisha
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35.63
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7
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West Bengal
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1.89
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Note: PRC of 12 mines is not included since these are partially explored
Details of annual revenue generated by aforementioned 49 coal mines under commercial mining in last five years, State-wise is as below:
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S.No.
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State
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Revenue Generated 
excluding royalty and taxes
Till Feb '23
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1
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Assam
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0.184
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2
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Chhattisgarh
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473.55
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3
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Jharkhand
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73.58
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4
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Madhya Pradesh
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242.73
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5
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Maharashtra
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53.64
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6
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Odisha
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273.07
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7
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West Bengal
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43.6
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Total
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1160.354
Due to increase in energy demand, Ministry of Power vide letter dated 09.01.2023 directed Central, State Gencos and Independent Power Plants to take necessary action and immediately plan to import coal through a transparent competitive procurement for blending at the rate of 6% by weight so as to have coal stocks at their power plants for smooth operations till September 2023.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today
President's Secretariat
Parliamentary Delegation from Malawi calls on the President
A Parliamentary Delegation from Malawi, led by the Speaker of Malawi National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara called on President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Welcoming the delegation, the President said that India and Malawi share long-standing cordial and friendly relations, and there is immense scope for adding greater depth to our ties. She stated that our common faith in democratic values and pluralism makes India and Malawi natural partners.
The President noted that India has been one of the largest trade and private investment partners of Malawi, and is also a preferred destination of Malawian nationals for health and education. She was happy to note that India has a strong development partnership programme with Malawi and a number of projects have been implemented in Malawi in the areas such as infrastructure, health, water resources, capacity building and education.
Ministry of Railways
Speeding up of trains on Indian Railways
Speeding up of trains, on Indian Railways , is an on-going exercise. The trains are charted keeping in view the speed potential of the rolling stock used and also the Maximum Permissible Speed of the concerned section. It is also dependent on factors like availability/up-gradation of track, doubling of section, up-gradation of rolling stock etc. In its endeavour to speed up trains, IR during 2018-19 & 2019-20 have speeded up 140 & 70 train services respectively.
To contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, IR have discontinued all regular passenger carrying trains w.e.f. 23rd March, 2020. At present, only special trains keeping in view the concerns and suggestions of State Governments and health advisories, are being operated. However, during 2020-21, it has been decided to speed up 488 train services.
Up-gradation of track infrastructure is done through regular track renewal works, as and when the track becomes due for renewal based on criteria stipulated in Indian Railway Permanent Way Manual . This up-gradation of track caters for raising of sectional speed of sections upto 130 kmph. Following steps are taken/being taken to improve the railway tracks-
- During 2020-21, 4363 km  track renewal had been carried out. For the current year i.e. 2021-22, 751 km  track renewal has been carried out upto June, 2021.
- Modern track structure consisting of Prestressed Concrete Sleeper  Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, 60kg, 90 or higher Ultimate Tensile Strength  rails, fanshaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals.
- Long rail panels of 260 M/130M length are being manufactured at the steel plant to minimize number of Alumino Thermit joints in the track.
- Provision of Thick Web Switches  is planned for all important routes of IR. To expedite provision of TWS, procurement of Thick Web Switches has been decentralized to zonal railways.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Cabinet approves Regulariztion of certain allowances being paid over and above the 50%  ceiling prescribed by DPE to the executives of certain operational category employees of AAI
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the regularization of certain allowances  being paid over and above the 50%  / 25%  ceiling prescribed by Department of Public Enterprisess  to the executives of certain operational category employees viz. Air Traffic Controllers, Communication Officers, and Pilots of Airports Authority of India  and to keep these allowances outside the purview of 35%  ceiling. Their job entails complex set of tasks requiring very high level of knowledge and expertise, as well as the practical application of specific skills pertaining to cognitive domains  communicative aspects and human relations.
The decision has been taken in view of the fact that air-traffic has increased manifold and these technical personnel are keeping the aviation activity over our skies very safe; in order to attract the best talent and to retain the existing trained manpower to provide world-class facilities to air-travellers, these professionals are required to be compensated suitably.
Ministry of Steel
Union Steel Minister Reviews Capital Expenditure  of Steel CPSEs; Emphasized Importance of Timely Completion of Project Works
The Union Steel Minister, Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh chaired a meeting here today to review the progress of capital expenditure  by Steel CPSEs against their annual target of Rs. 13,300 crores for the year 2021-22. Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, the CMDs of Steel CPSEs viz. SAIL, NMDC, RINL, KIOCL MOIL and MECON and senior officers of the Ministry of Steel attended the meeting. The Union Minister reviewed the progress of CAPEX projects of the Steel CPSEs and once again emphasized the utmost importance of timely completion of project works. He advised setting daily targets and close monitoring for time bound project implementation. This achievement of targets shall motivate the work force, enhance India’s steel production and spur higher growth. He directed CMDs to redouble efforts to ensure that there are no slippages in milestones for achieving the project targets for the year 2021-22.
The Steel Minister reviewed the capital expenditure done till November in FY 2021-22, by PSUs. Shri Singh advised the CMDs to plan for the remaining period of Fin Year on a daily basis to meet the shortfall in target achievement.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan takes charge of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today took charge as the cabinet minister of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. Shri Pradhan was administered the oath of office and secrecy by the President in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan yesterday. Shri Pradhan was holding the charge of the same Ministry in the last government, after taking over in May 2014.
Speaking to the media after taking charge of the Ministry, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for reposing confidence in him. He said that a lot of reforms and initiatives have been undertaken in the last five years, which positively affected the people’s lives. Last five years saw the Government traversing a successful path of overall economic journey, and the people of the country have given more responsibility to the Prime Minister. He said that our team worked relentlessly in the last five years, and in the future also, we will take up the responsibility as a challenge and work even harder. Shri Pradhan said that increasing domestic oil and gas production will be our priority. The reforms of the last five years have started yielding results, and we will be focussingmore on them. Setting up of common infrastructure, market friendly infrastructure is on the top of the Government’s agenda. Work is going on speedily on setting up of gas grid, PM Urja Ganga project and setting of CGD network and that will be further expedited. We have given emphasis on promoting bio-fuels, work is being done in this direction and it will gain more momentum in the days to come. The Minister said that work which has been done in the recent past, will be taken ahead in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. We are starting a new innings, with a new energy and new spirit. Our team has gained a lot from the prime Minister’s vision and leadership. Energy has become an international diplomacy handle, and many countries look towards India. Shri Narendra Modi is seen as a spokesperson of world consumers, and this has been acknowledged by the world. He said that the Ministry will take inputs from all concerned in formulating the policies.
YB
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Ministry of Power
Various initiatives by Government of India to promote electricity mobility and increase number of charging stations
As per BEE data, 5254 Public Charging Stations  are currently operational in the country
Government of India has taken several initiatives to promote electricity mobility including Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles. To increase the number of the charging stations across the country following steps have been taken:
- Ministry of Power has issued clarification that the charging of batteries of electric vehicles through charging station does not require any license.
- Central Electricity Authority  has issued amendments in the regulations regarding Technical Standards pertaining to Grid Connectivity and Safety of supply for Charging Stations.
- Revised consolidated Guidelines & Standards for charging infrastructure have been issued by the Ministry of Power on 14.01.2022  to accelerate the E-Mobility transition in the country.
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency  has been selected as the Central Nodal Agency to take various initiatives for promotion of Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles.
- Ministry of Power along with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Heavy Industries and NITI Aayog has launched a nationwide “Go Electric” Campaign on 19.02.2021 to educate the general public on the benefits of electric vehicles.
- Action plans for 9 major cities have been prepared by Bureau of Energy Efficiency  for installation of Public Charging Stations. As per the initial estimates, a total of 46,397 Public Charging Stations  are being targeted in these cities by 2030.
- All the central Ministries and state Governments have been requested to join the Government of India’s initiative on transformative mobility and to convert their fleet of official vehicles from present Petrol/Diesel Vehicles with Electric Vehicles.
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued amendments in Model Building By-Laws and Urban and Regional Development Plans, Formulation and Implementation Guidelines regarding Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles.
As per data available with Bureau of Energy Efficiency , 5254 Public Charging Stations  are currently operational in the country.
This information was given by Shri R.K Singh Union Minister for Power and MNRE in a written reply in Lok Sabha yesterday.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
8.88 LMT wheat sold on the first day of e auction by Food Corporation of India under OMSS  in 22 States
More than 1100 bidders participated in the first e auction
Food Corporation of India offered 22.0 LMT out of 25 LMT Wheat stock earmarked for e auction wheat from the Central pool stock to the market through various routes under the Open Market Sale Scheme  in the first e auction on 1st February 2023. More than 1100 bidders came forward for participation in the first e auction. A quantity of 8.88 LMT was sold in the first day of e. auction in 22 states.
In Rajasthan, bidding would be conducted on 02.02.2023.
Further sale of wheat through e. auction will continue throughout the country on every Wednesday till 2nd week of March 2023.
Govt. of India has reserved 3 LMT wheat to Govt. PSUs/cooperatives/Federations like Kendriya Bhandar, NCCF and NAFED for sale without e-auction at the concessional rate of Rs 2350/Qtls for converting wheat to Atta and offer it to public at an Maximum Retail Price of Rs. 29.50 per Kg. NCCF has been allowed to lift 50000 MT of Wheat stock under the above scheme across 07 states. Allotment of 1 LMT Wheat is made to NAFED and 1 LMT Wheat made to Kendriya Bhandar under this scheme to bring down the price of Atta across the country.
Offloading of 30 LMT wheat in the market through OMSS  scheme within a span of two months through multiple channels will have wider reach as well as immediate impact on the soaring wheat and Atta prices and will help containing the rising prices and will bring much relief to the common man.
In order to address the rising price of wheat and Atta in the country, Group of Ministers headed by Home Minister Sri Amit Shah made some recommendations which are being followed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Foreign Direct Investment Inflow
Foreign Direct Investment  is a major driver of economic growth and an important source of non-debt finance for the economic development of India. It has been the endeavor of the Government to put in place an enabling and investor friendly FDI policy. The intent all this while has been to make the FDI policy more investor friendly and remove the policy bottlenecks that have been hindering the investment inflows into the country. The steps taken in this direction during the last six years have borne fruit as is evident from the ever increasing volumes of FDI inflows being received into the country. Continuing on the path of FDI liberalization and simplification, Government has carried out FDI reforms across various sectors.
Measures taken by the Government on the fronts of FDI policy reforms, investment facilitation and ease of doing business have resulted in increased FDI inflows into the country. The following trends in India’s Foreign Direct Investment are an endorsement of its status as a preferred investment destination amongst global investors.
A. for the period of last 6 years 
- Total FDI inflow grew by 55%, i.e. from US$ 231.37 billion in 2008-14 to US$ 358.29 billion in 2014-20.
- FDI equity inflow also increased by 57% from US$ 160.46 billion during 2008-14 to US$ 252.42 billion .
B. - Financial Year 2020-21 
- During April to August, 2020, total FDI inflow of US$ 35.73 billion is received. It is the highest ever for first 5 months of a financial year and 13% higher as compared to first five months of 2019-20 .
- FDI equity inflow received during F.Y. 2020-21  is US$ 27.10 billion. It is also the highest ever for first 5 months of a financial year and 16% more compared to first five months of 2019-20 .
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Maldives for Establishing Mutual Cooperation to Improve the Ecosystems for Agribusiness
The Union Cabinet today accorded ex post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, India and the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resource and Agriculture, Maldives signed on 17th December, 2018 during the State visit of President of Maldives to India.
The MoU for establishing mutual cooperation to improve the ecosystem for agribusiness provides for cooperation in the fields of agriculture census, agribusiness, Integrated Farming System, Irrigation, improved seeds, Soil Health Management, research, capacity building of local agribusiness, enhancing knowledge of entrepreneurs in the areas of food security and nutrition, developing climate resilient agriculture system, establishing facilities to test pesticide residues etc.
Under the MoU, a Joint Working Group will be constituted to prepare plans of cooperation, implement the tasks determined by the Parties and to indicate the implementation of activities outlined.
AKT/SNC/SH
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Kuwait in the field of accounting, finance and audit knowledge base
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding  for capacity building and strengthening the accounting, financial and audit knowledge base in Kuwait.
Benefits:
The MoU entails that two entities of India and Kuwait which are:
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of India  and Kuwait Accountants and Auditors Association  will work together to hold and conduct technical events, seminars and conferences in Kuwait for the benefit of both organizations’ members and development of their professional expertise. Costs will be shared as agreed in writing by both parties for each event.
- ICAI and KAAA shall work together for establishing possible cooperation in respect of Corporate Governance, technical research and advice, quality assurance, forensic accounting, issues concerning Small and Medium-sized Practices , Islamic Finance, Continuing Professional Development  and other subjects of mutual interest. Both ICAI and KAAA will implement and support provisions of the MoU for cooperation, advancement of accounting knowledge, collaboration to hold professional development and technical events, seminars and conferences. KAAA will provide venue for such events and will encourage its students and faculty members to attend these events.
- Under the proposed provisions of the MoU, ICAI and KAAA will aspire to discuss potential future developments in the area of mutual collaboration. In the first instance these discussions will be based on gaining an insight into the structure and cooperation, external regulatory and self-regulatory framework and measures governing both the profession and the members of both the organizations. This will be in the interests of improving governance and effectiveness of their respective organizations.
- KAAA and ICAI will collaborate to offer short-term professional courses in the domain of accounting, finance and audit in Kuwait for Kuwaiti nationals and members of the ICAI.
- ICAI and KAAA will take appropriate steps and measures to work together for establishing possible cooperation in the identified areas of mutual interest. ICAI will offer technical programs to employees of Kuwait Government/Ministries/KAAA members and Kuwaiti Nationals in collaboration with KAAA.
- In Kuwait, the Indian Chartered Accountants fraternity is helping the local business community and stakeholders on Financial Reporting matters and is held in high esteem. The proposed MoU is expected to consolidate the trust and help to build a positive image for the Indian Chartered Accountants in Kuwait.
Justification:
- ICAI has a strong membership base of over 6000 members in the Middle East region and the contemplated MoU for providing assistance to KAAA, Kuwait shall benefit the ICAI members in the region and would provide an additional impetus to the prospects of the ICAI Members.
- The aim of the MoU is to work together to develop a mutually beneficial relationship for the best interest of ICAI members, students and their organizations.
PIB Headquarters
Telecom Consumer Outreach Programme at Kochi Municipal Town Hall
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  is organizing a Telecom Consumer Outreach Programme at 3.00 p.m on Monday, the 26th October 2018 at Kochi Municipal Corporation Town Hall. During the Programme, officers from Regional office of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India will address the gathering. Public are invited to attend the Consumer Outreach Programme to know about their rights and duties as subscribers of Cellphone, Landphone, Cable TV, etc. Entry to the programme will be free; registration will start at 2.00 p.m.
Kerala has a mobile subscriber base of 43.01 million and landline subscribers of 1.94 million. There are 6 Telecom Service Providers in Kerala Service area. Many consumers are not aware of the regulations issued by TRAI to protect the interest of the consumers. Consumers should be aware of the grievance mechanism, procedure for filing appeal, procedure for porting the subscription to another service provider by retaining the same number, procedure to stop unsolicited commercial communication and unwanted calls, and rules related to value added services. The Digitization of cable TV network already completed in the entire country. Advantages of the above system will also be discussed during the above programme.
IE/AB/BSN 
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